Mariachi Barbie to be released

Updated 12:13 pm, Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Mariachi Barbie makes her debut in time for Mexican Independence Day and National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins Sept. 15 and runs to Oct. 15.

Mariachi Barbie makes her debut in time for Mexican Independence Day and National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins Sept. 15 and runs to Oct. 15.

Photo: Twitter

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Mattel has released numerous Barbie dolls through the years that have stirred controversy. Click through the slideshow to why some of them drew criticism.

Mattel has released numerous Barbie dolls through the years that have stirred controversy. Click through the slideshow to why some of them drew criticism.

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Mattel introduced many Barbies with dark complexions in the 60s and 70s but they weren't genuinely African-American because their heads were made with the molds of the Caucasian dolls.

Mattel introduced many Barbies with dark complexions in the 60s and 70s but they weren't genuinely African-American because their heads were made with the molds of the Caucasian dolls.

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The 1990 launch of Oreo Fun Barbie was met with outrage since Oreo is a derogatory term in the African-American community.

The 1990 launch of Oreo Fun Barbie was met with outrage since Oreo is a derogatory term in the African-American community.

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Many parents thought Midge, Barbie's pregnant best friend, sent the wrong message because she didn't come with a spouse.

Many parents thought Midge, Barbie's pregnant best friend, sent the wrong message because she didn't come with a spouse.

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Spin the dial on Growing Up Skipper's back and her figure matures. The point was to teach kids about puberty but parents didn't like this doll who grew breasts.

Spin the dial on Growing Up Skipper's back and her figure matures. The point was to teach kids about puberty but parents didn't like this doll who grew breasts.

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Sleepytime Gal Barbie came with a dieting book. One of the pages supposedly read, "Don't eat."

Sleepytime Gal Barbie came with a dieting book. One of the pages supposedly read, "Don't eat."

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Teen Talk Barbie said 270 phrases, including "Math class is tough."

Teen Talk Barbie said 270 phrases, including "Math class is tough."

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Share a Smile Becky, who came in a pink wheelchair, was a thoughtful idea, but her chair didn't fit into the elevator of the Barbie Dream House.

Share a Smile Becky, who came in a pink wheelchair, was a thoughtful idea, but her chair didn't fit into the elevator of the Barbie Dream House.

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In 2003 Saudi Arabia banned the sale of Barbie and introduced Fulla, designed to be more acceptable to the Middle Eastern market.

In 2003 Saudi Arabia banned the sale of Barbie and introduced Fulla, designed to be more acceptable to the Middle Eastern market.

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In 2009 Mattel released Totally Tattoo Barbie, which came with tattoos to stick on the plastic body, including a tramp stamp to put on the doll's lower back.

In 2009 Mattel released Totally Tattoo Barbie, which came with tattoos to stick on the plastic body, including a tramp stamp to put on the doll's lower back.

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Black Canary Barbie was panned for looking downright trashy.

Black Canary Barbie was panned for looking downright trashy.

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The FBI issued a warning in 2010 that the video camera in Barbie Video Girl's chest could be used to produce child pornography, although there was "no reported evidence that the doll had been used in any way other than intended." less

The FBI issued a warning in 2010 that the video camera in Barbie Video Girl's chest could be used to produce child pornography, although there was "no reported evidence that the doll had been used in any way ... more

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Tokidoki's edgy look caused a stir—especially among straight-laced parents trying to raise kids who never step inside a tattoo parlor.

Tokidoki's edgy look caused a stir—especially among straight-laced parents trying to raise kids who never step inside a tattoo parlor.

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Barbie donned a bikini and struck an unapologetic post for the 2014 50th anniversary edition of the 'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.'

Barbie donned a bikini and struck an unapologetic post for the 2014 50th anniversary edition of the 'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.'

Photo: Uncredited, AP / Sports Illustrated

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Girl Scouts Barbie hit store shelves in 2014 and many were outraged by the partnership. The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood wrote in a statement: "Partnering with Mattel undermines[the Girl Scouts] vital mission to “build girls of courage, confidence, and character... While Mattel and the Barbie brand benefit enormously from GSUSA’s endorsement, the partnership harms girls. In addition to encouraging sexualization, the Barbie brand idealizes a dangerously impossible body type.” less

Girl Scouts Barbie hit store shelves in 2014 and many were outraged by the partnership. The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood wrote in a statement: "Partnering with Mattel undermines[the Girl Scouts] ... more

Photo: Mattel

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Mariachi Barbie to be released

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SAN ANTONIO — Mattel — maker of arguably the best-known doll on the planet (sorry American Girl) — is obviously looking at data that show the growth of the U.S. Latino market.

Because, this month, its latest Barbie — Mariachi Barbie — makes her debut in time for Mexican Independence Day and National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins Sept. 15 and runs to Oct. 15.

The doll's official launch is Sept. 15.

Mariachi Barbie is dressed in the traditional traje and "is ready to celebrate with Mexico these national holidays," said Mattel executive Ana Paula Martinez de Alba, according to Fox Latino.

Undeterred by criticism it's likely to receive, Mattel's Mariachi Barbie is its second Mexican doll. The first, "Mexico Barbie," was criticized for its stereotypical appearance, which included a Chihuahua tucked under its arm. Ay.

Check out the slideshow above to see some of Mattel's most controversial Barbie dolls.

Both are part of Mattel's Barbies of the World collection, which includes an Eskimo Barbie and several Native American Barbies.